Aquarium Care

Aquarium must be properly cared and looked after to increase its life. Like fish should be fed and observed every day. If fish do not feed normally or if they show signs of ill health, check water quality immediately. Proper nutrition is critical for good fish health. Because there is such a diversity of tropical ornamental fish, the nutritional requirements vary greatly as well. It is important to determine the specific requirements for each fish species being kept. Although a basic or staple tropical fish food may work well for some species, it may be insufficient for others. All species require some level of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Provide approximately 12 hours of light for the tank, especially if planted. A timer makes this task simple and ensures that lighting is not forgotten. Lighting is a necessity to illuminate the beauty and preserve the health of aquatic life in fresh and saltwater aquariums. Lighting for marine tanks comes at a higher price. Fish-only tanks usually require a single full spectrum tube. If your heart is set on saltwater invertebrates, be mindful that they require very intense full spectrum lighting, augmented with actinic blue.

Also always check the water temperature to make sure it is within the optimal range for the tank inhabitants.

Keeping water at the appropriate temperature and having proper filtration is a must in all aquariums. Full reef systems require additional filtration through protein skimming. This process strips any organic particles that form in the water before they can be converted to nitrates. It is important to keep the water in either tank moving, especially saltwater aquariums.

You will also need a testing kit for your aquarium. There are more levels to monitor in a marine environment. Check for water quality, pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, they are the common ones to watch out for. Others, which are also important, are oxygen, phosphate and copper. Correct readings for all should be strictly observed to uphold the best for your fish. Don't be tempted to clean your filters once a week unless you deem it a necessity. If you only have the one filter then only clean it out fortnightly. Should you have more than one filter, then do one a week.

All fish food should be kept cool and dry to slow the deterioration of important nutrients and eventual spoilage. It is better to buy smaller quantities of food and replace it more frequently than to buy in bulk and store it.

Others small points which should also be considered: Remove any dead plant material which you can see often as it can be harmful for the fishes. If any evaporation has occurred, add replacement water making sure to treat (dechlorinate, aerate, etc.) appropriately first. Trim excessive plant growth, if necessary. Clean tank glass with algae scraper if necessar